Bali Hostel Trip Turns Tragic: One Dead, Ten Hospitalised Following Suspected Mass Poisoning
A budget Bali hostel stay has ended in tragedy after a young backpacker died and multiple others fell seriously ill, reportedly due to a suspected mass poisoning. The incident has raised alarms over the safety and hygiene standards at hostels frequented by international travellers in this popular Indonesian tourist destination.
Incident Details at Clandestino Hostel, Canggu
The event unfolded at the Clandestino Hostel, located in the bustling area of Canggu, Bali. Following a communal dinner, several guests reported intense and sudden illness characterized by severe vomiting, chills, and debilitating symptoms. Among the affected was 25-year-old Chinese tourist Deqing Zhuoga, who collapsed and later was found unresponsive in her bunk. She was pronounced dead on September 2. According to accounts, Ms. Zhuoga was discovered semi-naked, wearing only an unbuttoned blue shirt. Her friend, Leila Li, who shared the room, was among those hospitalised and spent five days in intensive care. Ms. Li recounted her ordeal, revealing that she was too sick to seek help initially while Ms. Zhuoga was left alone and vulnerable.
Multiple Victims and Hospitalisations
In total, over 20 guests reportedly became ill, and at least ten required hospitalisation due to the severity of their symptoms. In addition to Ms. Li, several other foreign travellers including German tourists Melanie Irene and Alisa Kokonozi, Saudi national Alahmadi Yousef Mohammed, Filipino guest Cana Clifford Jay, and another Chinese tourist Leslie Zhao were identified among the victims in the official police report.
The outbreak of illness triggered an investigation by Kuta Police. Inspectors noted multiple guests experienced similar symptoms, raising concerns about possible contamination or poisoning at the hostel.
Response and Medical Treatment
Hostel staff initially treated Ms. Zhuoga after her condition deteriorated. According to police investigation, the hostel’s receptionist, Maria Gores, assisted Ms. Zhuoga by taking her to a nearby clinic where doctors administered initial care. However, due to financial constraints, Ms. Zhuoga was only prescribed medication and sent back to the hostel where she later died alone.
The following morning, receptionist Eka Ayu found Ms. Zhuoga unresponsive in her room. Despite efforts to locate a pulse, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The official cause of death was recorded as acute gastroenteritis and hypovolaemic shock, though the investigation remains open to determine the exact cause.
Allegations of Pesticide Poisoning and Bedbug Fumigation
Ms. Li has alleged that test results indicated pesticide poisoning alongside food poisoning as potential causes of the illness. She also reported seeing an adjoining room sealed off for bedbug fumigation on the night before the mass sickness episode.
Other guests corroborated claims of a significant bedbug infestation at the hostel. Online reviews prior to the incident had noted persistent bedbug problems, with one guest from July highlighting the staff’s lack of transparency about the issue. These concerns have raised questions about the hostel’s hygiene management.
Accusations of a Cover-Up and Public Reaction
Several victims and observers fear that there may be an attempt to downplay or cover up the severity of the event. Guest testimonies describe inadequate assistance from staff during critical moments when fellow travellers were violently ill.
Despite the tragedy, some guests have criticised hostel management for seemingly continuing operations without significant changes. An October guest review explicitly called for the hostel to be shut down, citing the death as unacceptable.
In response, a spokesperson for Clandestino Hostel said the establishment has been cooperating fully with authorities and expressed sympathies for those affected. The case remains under active investigation by local law enforcement.
Bali’s Popularity and Safety Concerns
Bali continues to be one of Australia’s favourite travel destinations, with approximately 1.5 million Australian visitors recorded in 2024, constituting nearly a quarter of the island’s foreign arrivals. However, incidents such as this underline the importance of vigilance regarding accommodation standards, especially in budget hostels.
Separately, a deeply troubling case involved the death of 23-year-old Queensland man Byron Haddow in Bali, whose body was returned to Australia without his heart, prompting further scrutiny of death investigations on the island.
Advice for Travellers
While millions enjoy safe and memorable experiences in Bali annually, potential travellers are advised to carefully research accommodation options and heed reviews concerning cleanliness and safety. Travelers should remain alert for warning signs and be proactive in seeking medical help if unwell.
This recent tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with budget travel and the critical need for stringent hygiene standards in tourist accommodations.
What Happened Next?
Authorities continue their investigation to determine the precise source of the poisoning. Meanwhile, officials are expected to review safety protocols for hostels in Bali to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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